Decaying Battis Khamba Finally Attracts ASI Attention

By KC Jain

Battis Khamba, the octagonal tower with 32 pillars used to be the 'Light House' and 'Watch Tower' and is situated on the river bank of Yamuna and in the north of Rambagh at Agra. It is a national heritage monument centrally protected in year 1920 but it remained in a state of oblivion.

Now after efforts, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) could be persuaded to conserve it by spending about Rs.7.71 lacs. To a RTI query, ASI admitted that no conservation work of this monument has been carried out in last 10 years and further admitted the need of its conservation. In an answer to the un-starred question of Dr. Ramshanker Katheria, MP, the Minister of Culture informed Lok Sabha on Dec.9 that the conservation work of this monument would include removal of debris, underpinning in lakhauri bricks, providing and fixing of red sand stone Chaukhat, pointing with lime mortar etc. The RTI query and the Lok Sabha question could finally draw the attention of ASI for the much needed conservation work of Battis Khamba. The significant question arises— why this monument was not cared for so far? Is it not again a clear example of the Taj-centric approach of ASI?

Battis Khamba, visible from far away, is a landmark with an impressive history and architecture. It used to be the watch tower of the Buland Bagh. ACL Carilleyle in his Report (year 1871-72) regarding this monument remarked by appreciating the "kind of ornamentation on the walls of great burj cupola'd three-storied tower, called the 'Battis Khamba' in the Buland Bagh, or garden of Khoja Buland Khan, above the Rambagh, across the river opposite."

Noted historian, Prof. R. Nath in book—“Agra and its Monuments” also said that "it is situated on the extreme northern end, just attached to Nur Jehan's riverine sarai. It is, in fact, from this stage that the Mughal city of Agra began on this side of the river. Founded by Buland Khan Khwajassara, a noble of Jehangir, it was originally a spacious garden, four towers of which at the four corners; parts of brick masonry embankment on the river-side, with seven wells on its northern edge called Sat-Kuian; and its three storied tower, viz. the Battis Khambha which served as a 'Light-House', a 'Watch-Tower' and a 'Manzil' (halting stage)–all in one, for the riverine traffic, have survived. All other architectural features of this grand Mughal garden e.g. stone pathways, channels, tanks, cascades and fountains have been pillaged and it has now been reduced almost to the form of a village grove.”

The Agra Development Authority (ADA) in its Report (2003) on Agra Master-plan 2021 also stated about its pitiable condition admitting the monument to be in a dilapidated condition and apprehending that for want of its conservation, this significant historical monument of Agra would extinct. Despite this warning, ASI continued its apathy, bringing in focus the need of ASI to lay greater importance of less popular heritage monuments.

The huge structure of the beautiful Battis Khamba affords an eye catching view from Jawahar bridge but very less people know about its history as it could not be projected to Agraits as well as the tourists to the town. At present, it has no approach at all and no ASI guard is also posted there. No cultural notice board or signage has also been put. The stairs to this monument are broken. If one can climb upon it, he has an eye pleasing view of the surroundings. We need to give the monument its due place by recreating the the mughal garden–Buland Bagh. It should also be lighted in the night which would provide its unique view.